Verified CPAJulian Thorne, CPA
High-Net-Worth Advisory
Experience18 Years
SpecialtyEstate Planning
ServesRiver Oaks / Uptown
The best CPAs in Houston
Every professional below practises in the Houston metro and holds a licence we checked by hand against the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy — including disciplinary history. No paid placement, no commission, no lead-selling.
Licences verified with TSBPADisciplinary history reviewedZero paid placement
Verified Houston specialists
Verified CPA
Verified MSTSarah Chen, MST
Corporate Tax Strategy
Experience12 Years
SpecialtyR&D Tax Credits
ServesEnergy Corridor
Verified EAMarcus Vance, EA
Tax Resolution & IRS Rep
Experience22 Years
SpecialtyForensic Audit
ServesDowntown / Midtown
What a Houston accountant should already know
Oil, gas and energy taxation
Depletion allowances, intangible drilling costs, working-interest reporting and partnership K-1s dominate Houston returns. Ask any candidate how many energy partnerships they file each season.
No state income tax, but franchise tax applies
Texas has no personal income tax, yet most entities owe the state franchise (margin) tax. A Houston CPA should handle the annual franchise report and Public Information Report without prompting.
Harris County property tax protests
Commercial and rental owners in Harris County face annual appraisal notices. Some firms handle protest filings in-house; others coordinate with a consultant. Confirm which before you sign.
International and cross-border filings
Houston's energy and medical sectors bring FBAR, Form 5471 and expatriate returns. These carry steep penalties, so verify direct experience rather than a general willingness to try.
Areas covered
Listed professionals take clients across the Houston metro and surrounding Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.
DowntownThe WoodlandsSugar LandKatyEnergy CorridorGalleria / UptownPearlandClear Lake
Houston CPA questions
- How do I check that a Houston CPA is actually licensed?
- Search the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy individual licensee lookup at tsbpa.texas.gov by full legal name or licence number. The status must read active. We run this check on every professional listed here, then re-check it on renewal.
- What does a CPA cost in Houston?
- In the Houston market, a straightforward individual return typically runs a few hundred dollars, a return with a Schedule C or rental property costs more, and business returns with franchise tax filings are usually quoted as a fixed annual engagement. Hourly advisory rates commonly sit between $150 and $400.
- Do I need a CPA in Houston specifically, or will a remote one do?
- Remote work is fine for most federal filings. A local professional is worth it when your situation touches Texas franchise tax, Harris County appraisals, or an industry with heavy local concentration such as energy services or medical practice ownership.
- How are professionals ranked on this page?
- They are not ranked by payment. Nobody can buy placement or a badge. Ordering reflects verification depth and years of documented practice, and every listing is free of commission arrangements.